Podcast 22: Hazing, Pranks and Bullying in the Fire Service

In this episode, Curt and Linda Willing discuss the cultural and legal challenges associated with hazing, pranks and bullying in the fire service. Linda is a retired fire officer from the Boulder (CO) Fire Department, and is now a noted author, columnist and lecturer. She is the author of On the Line: Women Firefighters Tell Their Stories, and is a monthly columnist for FireRescue1 and Fire Chief.

 

Linda is the principal trainer and consultant with RealWorld Training & Consulting (www.rwtraining.com). She specializes in designing training programs for organizational diversity, leadership development, change management, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

 

Linda is an adjunct faculty member and curriculum advisor with the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer and Management Science programs and has developed a number of emergency services training programs at the national level. In 1982, Linda co-founded Women in the Fire Service. Linda holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in management science from Regis University in Denver, and is a certified mediator.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Another Captain Sues Topeka For Discrimination

Another Topeka, Kansas fire captain has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit over not being promoted. Captain Barbara Hack claims that she was passed over for the same promotions that Captain Brently Dorsey filed suit over.

Topeka Captain Alleges Race, Disability and FMLA Discrimination

A Topeka, Kansas fire captain has filed suit alleging race and disability discrimination; retaliation; and a violation of the Family Medical Leave Act. Captain Brently Dorsey claims he was passed over for numerous promotions, denied the opportunity for reassignment to positions for which he was eligible for and was ultimately forced to take an early retirement in 2022.